7/27

The pop fivesome’s second album takes aim at soulful R&B with some major assists. And with unerring consistency, it hits with airstrike precision. <i>7/27</i> goes heavy on the exuberance and thanks to its a-list help—Stargate and Kygo headline—has the songs to back up the confidence. But there’s plenty here beyond the sassy megahits (“Work from Home”, All In My Head”) and hits-in-waiting (the Janet Jackson worthy and Missy Elliott guesting “Not That Kinda Girl”); the vulnerable moments (“Write On Me”, “Dope”, “No Way”) showcase the group’s evolving R&B chops and impact just as hard as the bangers.